Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
If you’re craving a creamy, herby, and utterly delicious meal that’s both easy to make and restaurant-worthy, then this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is for you! 🍗🌿🍚Tender, juicy chicken is seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, creamy herb sauce that infuses every bite with incredible flavor. The fluffy, aromatic basmati rice soaks up all that goodness, making this a one-pan dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.The best part? Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner! Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Herb Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half for a lighter option
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- For the Basmati Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional, for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt butter and add the onion. Cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Basmati Rice
- Add rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
- Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Add thyme, rosemary, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted into the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer & Cook Everything Together
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, making sure it’s partially submerged in the sauce and rice.
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, herby deliciousness!
Notes
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Dairy-Free
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Swap nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
2. Add More Veggies
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
3. Swap the Protein
Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
4. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
🏆 How to Store & Reheat Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
❓ Top 10 FAQs About Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
1. Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but increase the broth and cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the rice from sticking?
Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs for the best flavor.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
5. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Store in containers for an easy grab-and-go meal.
6. What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for a richer taste.
7. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with all ingredients combined.
8. What cheese works best for this dish?
Parmesan, Asiago, or Gruyère are all great options!
9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
10. How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid over-stirring while cooking.
🍽 Final Thoughts on Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a one-pan wonder—rich, flavorful, and comforting while still being simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just want a cozy, homemade dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Try it out and let me know—did it become a new favorite? If you love easy one-pan meals, check out this collection of creamy chicken recipes for more inspiration! 🍽🔥